Lethbridge MP Jim Hillyer held the second of a series of federal budget consultations in our city on Saturday.
Hillyer is looking for residents to weigh-in on financial issues facing them and the rest of the country.
While much of the conversation in Cardston last weekend surrounding cutting "government waste", many people at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization on Saturday shared their concerns about the future of the Canada Pension Plan.
Some residents are worried proposed changes won't provide enough time to adjust before they retire.
"The government says you've gotta plan for your retirement, and these people have," says Tom Walton, one of over 20 people to attend the forum. "Then you all of the sudden change the rules? Where does that put them?"
"Is 10 years enough? (People nearing retirement) need 15 or 20 years to adjust," says Bob MacPhail. "I want to make sure the government hears that and gives people enough lead time to adjust their retirement planning."
Some changes would include lower benefits for those choosing to take their pension as early as 60. No modifications are expected for anyone already receiving benefits or are about to in the near future.
Hillyer responds to the criticism, saying the government must tweak certain areas of the plan, due to Canada's aging population.
"Something does have to change with Old Age Security if generations in the future are going to receive it," says Hillyer. "Whatever decision is made, it's going to give people enough time to respond and prepare for it."
"It's not to take these benefits away, but to insure everyone can receive them."
The next forum will be on February 11, 10 a.m. at the Picture Butte Library. The final session is slated for February 18 in Milk River.
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